How to Patch Concrete Foundations
Foundation patching is no easy task, and it is not for everyone. Repairing a leak requires a lot of digging, plastering and waiting in the dirt. Repairing a crack is simpler, but best left to a professional if the crack is very large. Follow the steps below if you are ambitious enough to attempt these repairs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Leaks
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1
Evaluate the leak. Fixing a leak is time-consuming and messy. If it is not a major leak, don't bother fixing it.
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2
Dig a large ditch along the sides of the structure until you reach the base of the foundation, where it first touches the ground.
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3
Spread premixed cement plaster across the entire surface of the exterior wall where the leak is occurring, using a flat trowel. Wait a day or two for the plaster to dry.
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4
Spread a thick coat of foundation tar over the plastered region. Allow 2-3 days for the tar to dry.
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5
Install a plastic drainage tube along the bottom edge of the foundation to divert water.
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6
Pack the dirt back in place along the sides of the foundation.
Cracks
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7
Evaluate the crack. If it is more than one inch thick, this may indicate bigger problems that this repair may not fix. If it is smaller, use the following steps to fix the crack yourself.
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8
Insert premixed cement into the crack, packing it well. Be sure to maximize the amount of cement in the crack.
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9
Smooth the surface of the crack using the trowel. Wait a few days before painting or covering up the crack.
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10
Monitor the crack to assure that it does not return or grow larger. If this happens, call a professional immediately.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If foundation is solid cement rather than cement bricks, you do not need to apply plaster to fix a leak. Simply skip Step 4 in that case.
While the plaster and cement are drying, keep them protected from the elements using a tarp.
References
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Comments
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wvm0m
Aug 07, 2010
This article may be useful for situations involving very shallow foundations. To get to the base of my foundation wall would require a trench in excess of 14 feet deep. Climbing into such a trench would put me at risk, if the ground were to collapse (people who work in trenches often include reinforcement and a ladder in their plans). A plastic pipe in the bottom of a trench won't help, unless it is hooked to a drainage system. Please use good judgment in evaluating helpful articles.
